RK Mellon Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Peng is a well-respected author in electric power research and leader in power conversion technology. Prior to Pitt, Peng, an expert in power electronics, served as a distinguished professor of engineering at Florida State University and was part of its Center for Advanced Power Systems, a “multidisciplinary research center organized to perform basic and applied research to advance the field of power systems technology.” His research on multilevel inverters for static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) applications has provided essential power electronics tools for improving power flow capability and dynamic stability of transmission and distribution networks. Many STATCOM installations are still widely used across the world and incorporate his patented innovations.
Peng’s achievements span more than 30 years with his most recent being named to the National Academy of Inventors. His career in industry led him to his fruitful exploration into research. From 2000 to 2018, Peng served as a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, the most prestigious ranking designated by the university’s Board of Trustees. He also led projects for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and as the principal scientist with the Power Electronics and Electric Machinery Research Center.
